Aerial lift with workman{40 s basket with protective covering

ABSTRACT

Aerial lift with workman&#39;&#39;s basket with protective covering having a boom structure, the outer end of which can be raised and lowered about a horizontal axis, rotated about a vertical axis and moved toward and away from the platform carrying the boom structure. A workman&#39;&#39;s basket having an upper open end is mounted adjacent the outer end of the boom structure. Support means is secured to the basket and includes an arm which is cantilevered over the upper end of the basket. A removable canopy is provided and means is provided for securing the canopy to the arm so that the canopy overlies and is spaced above the upper open end of the basket and means is provided for removably securing the canopy to the upper end of the basket for enclosing the space between the canopy and the upper end of the basket whereby workmen in the basket can be protected from the sun and inclement weather.

nited States Patent Oct. 3, 1972 Leigh [s41 AERIAL LIFT WITH WORKMAN'S BASKET WITH PROTECTIVE COVERING [72] Inventor: Bertram Jonathan Leigh, Redwood City, Calif.

[73] Assignee: General Cable Corporation, New

York, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Sept. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 74,028

[52] us. Cl. "lei/129, 182/2 [51] Int. Cl. ..B66f 11/04 [58] Field of Search ..182/2, 129, 141; 135/8 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,396,814 8/1968 Garnett ..182/2 3,485,320 12/1969 Jones ..l82/l29 3,358,789 12/1967 Lauri ..182/129 7/1967 Lowery 182/2 Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney-Flehr, l-lohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert ABSTRACT Aerial lift with workmans basket with protective covering having a boom structure, the outer end of which can be raised and lowered about a horizontal axis, rotated about a vertical axis and moved toward and away from the platform carrying the boom structure. A workmans basket having an upper open end is mounted adjacent the outer end of the boom structure. Support means is secured to the basket and includes an arm which is cantilevered over the upper end of the basket. A removable canopy is provided and means is provided for securing the canopy to the arm so that the canopy overlies and is spaced above the upper open end of the basket and means is provided for removably securing the canopy to the upper end of the basket for enclosing the space between the canopy and the upper end of the basket whereby workmen in the basket can be protected from the sun and inclement weather.

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Bertram J Leigh WjQK Attorney AERIAL LIFT WITH WORKMAN'S BASKET WITH PROTECTIVE COVERING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to aerial lifts which are provided with a workmans basket at the outer end having a protective covering.

2. Description of the Prior Art In copending application Ser. No. 790,006, filed Jan. 9, 1969, entitled Aerial Lift with Rotatable and Enclosable Basket, there is disclosed a basket which is provided with means for enclosing the basket to protect the workmen against inclement weather. It has been found that such an enclosure has certain disadvantages. For example, it has been found that it is unduly complicated and expensive to manufacture. It also has been found that it may restrict the workmans movement within the basket. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved aerial lift with a workmans basket which is provided with a protective covering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS The aerial lift having a workmans basket with a protective covering consists of a boom structure, the outer end of which can be raised and lowered about a horizontal'axis, rotated about a vertical axis and moved toward and away from the platform carrying the boom structure. A workmans basket having an upper open end is mounted adjacent the outer end of the boom structure. Support means is secured to the basket and includes an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket. A canopy is provided and means is provided for securing the canopy to the arm so that the canopy overlies and is spaced above the upper open end of the basket. Means is provided which is removably secured to the canopy and to the upper end of the basket whereby the space between the canopy and the upper end of the basket is enclosed to provide protection to the workman in the basket.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aerial lift with a particularly novel protective covering for inclement weather and sun protection.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial lift of the above character in which the protective covering is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial lift of the above character in which the protective covering for the basket does not unduly restrict the workmans movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial lift of the above character in which the basket with the protective covering provides the smallest. cube while still giving the workman freedom to work.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial liftof the, above character in which the protective covering can be removed to a stored position to facilitate travel of the aerial lift.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial lift of the above character in which the protective covering for the basket is very versatile and can be adjusted for inclement weather while still giving the workman great freedom in which to work and also which can be adjusted for protection from the sun while giving adequate ventilation to the workman.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial lift with a basket having a protective covering which has adequate space to permit the workman to stand up or sit down while at work.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial lift of the above character in which the workmans basket having the protective covering is provided with adequate space for the storage of tools and the like utilized by the workman.

Another object of the invention is to provide an aerial lift with a basket having a protective covering permitting work from the road side or field side of a cable with equal ease.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment is set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerial lift with a workmans basket having a protective covering incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the workmans basket with the protective covering in a raised position and also shows the protective covering in broken lines moved to a stored position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, partially in crosssection, showing a portion of the workmans basket shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the workman s basket shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the workmans basket shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the workmans basket with the seat in a raised position.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the seat in a lowered and out-of-the-way position.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the workmans basket shown in FIG. 2 with certain portions broken away.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view showing the canopy of the protective covering and a portion of the support structure for the same.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the canopy shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of one portion of the canopy as indicated by the arrow 15 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view showing a portion of the collapsible canopy structure for the canopy.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 17-17.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view showing additional portions of the collapsible canopy structure.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the side curtain assembly utilized with. the canopy to form the canopy assembly.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the side curtain assembly in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a partial top plan view showing the manner in which the side curtain assembly is secured to the upper portion of the workmans basket.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2323 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view showing the front curtain assembly.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view showing an altemative fabric-covered door or gate for the workmans basket.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view showing additional features of the door or gate shown in FIG. 25.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The aerial lift with workmans basket with protective covering incorporating the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown therein, it consists of a mobile chassis 31 which is provided with front and rear ground engaging wheels 32 and 33. A van-type body 34 is mounted on the chassis 31. The body is constructed in such a manner that it provides a space for a driving station behind the windshield 36 and a space 37 which is open from the top and from the side adjacent the driving station which is capable of receiving a workmans basket 41 that is provided with a protective covering 42. The workmans basket 41 is carried by a boom structure 43 which is of the type described in copending application Ser. No. 790,006, filed Jan. 9, I969. The boom structure 43 is mounted upon the chassis 31 and upon the van-type body 34. The workmans basket 41 is mounted adjacent the outer end of the boom structure 43. As disclosed in said copending application, means is provided for causing rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the outer end of the boom structure toward and away from the vanlike body which serves as a platform for the boom structure. In addition, there is provided control means (not shown) mounted on the outer end of the boom structure and accessible to the workman in the workmans basket so that the workman can control the movements of the boom structure hereinbefore described.

The workmans basket 41 consists of a basket structure 46 formed of a suitable material such as molded plastic impregnated fiberglass. The basket structure 46 is in the shape of a horseshoe when viewed in horizontal cross-section as can be seen from FIG. 10. It is provided with a bottom wall 47 and a contoured vertical wall 48 which has an opening 49 in its front side extending through the top side which is sufficiently large to permit ingress and egress by the workman. The basket structure 46 also includes a top horizontal flange 51 which is also horseshoe-shaped and which can serve as an arm rest for the workman in the basket. The basket structure is provided with large vertically extending wells or recesses 52 formed in vertically extending protrusions in the vertical wall 48 of the basket structure on opposite sides of the basket structure adjacent the front opening 49 in the basket. The protrusions 53 are formed as an integral part of the vertical side wall 48 as can be seen particularly from FIG. 6.

Means is provided for mounting the basket structure 46 adjacent the outer end of the boom structure 43 to support the same and also to permit rotation of the basket structure in a generally horizontal plane so that the basket can be positioned by the workman so that it is most convenient to the work which is to be performed by the workman. Such means consists of a large L-shaped arm 56 which has a yoke 57 mounted on its upper end. The yoke 57 is pivotally mounted at 58 for swinging movement about a horizontal axis on a boom fitting 59 carried by the outer end of the boom structure 43.

Means is provided for supporting the basket structure 46 on the arm 56 to permit rotational movement of the basket structure 46 about a generally vertical axis which is within the confines of the basket and is generally coincident with the vertical axis of the basket. Such means consists of a hollow sleeve 61 secured to crossed metal plates 62 which are embedded in the bottom wall 47 of the basket structure. A ring-like holder 63 is mounted on the outer end of the lower extremity of the L-shaped arm 56. A flanged bushing 64 is mounted on the holder 63 and receives the sleeve 61 so that the sleeve 61 is rotatably mounted therein. A washer 66 is mounted on the sleeve 61 below the holder 63 and the bushing 64. The sleeve 61 is retained within the bushing 64 carried by the holder 63 by a retaining ring 67 secured to the sleeve 61 and engaging the washer 66 as shown particularly in FIG. 3.

Friction means is provided for retaining the basket structure 46 in a predetermined angular position with respect to the vertical axis of the basket and consists of a foot-operated plunger 71 which extends through a hole 72 provided in the sleeve 61. The plunger 71 is secured to a plate 73 by a bolt 74. The plate 73 is secured to an angle member 76 having its other end pivotally mounted within the lower extremity of the arm 56 by a pin 77. The angle member 76 is yieldably urged in an upward direction by a spring 78. The spring 78 has been inserted through a hole 79 and is held in place by a plate 81 secured to the arm 56 by screws 82.

Braking means is secured to the angle member 76 and consists of a member 83 extending through a hole 84 in the arm 56 and is secured to the angle member 76 by a nut 86. A brake pad 87 formed of a suitable material such as rubber is mounted upon a holder 88 which is pivotally mounted upon the member 83 by a pin 89 so that the brake pad 87 is self-aligned with the bottom surface of the bottom wall 47 of the basket structure 46. As can be seen, the brake pad 87 can be moved out of engagement with the bottom wall of the basket structure by merely depressing the plunger 71 to move the brake pad downwardly away from the basket structure. Upon release of the plunger 71, the brake pad is automatically returned into braking or frictional engagement with the basket structure by the spring 78 to thereby prevent further rotational movement of the basket structure until the plunger 71 is again depressed.

Means is provided for supporting the upper margin of the basket structure 46 to permit rotation of the same about the vertical axis. Such means consists of a U-shaped track member 91 which generally encircles the upper extremity of the basket structure and is secured thereto by bolts 92 (see FIG. 4). As also can be seen from FIG. 4, a reinforcing member formed of a 4 5 suitable, material such as steel is embedded within the upper portion of the basket structure to provide suitable reinforcing to support the U-shaped track member 91 and the bolts 92 which extend through the member 1 93. The U-shaped track member 91 is adapted to be engaged by rollers 94 rotatably mounted on stub shafts 96 secured to a bracket 97 by suitable means such as bolts 98. The bracket 97 is mounted upon the L-shaped support arm 56. Retaining brackets 99 are mounted upon the stub shafts 96 and are provided with upwardly extending portions 99a which extend upwardly behind the track member 91 and downwardly extending portions 99b which engage the bracket 97. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the brackets 99 keep the upper portion of the basket structure in close proximity to the rollers 94 and prevent the upper portion of the basket structure 46 from tipping away from the rollers 94 in the event that the workman leans in the basket in a direction away from the rollers 94.

A cylinder assembly 101 is connected between the boom structure 43 and the support arm 56 and is mounted upon a stud shaft 102 secured to the arm 56. This cylinder assembly can be utilized in connection with a positive leveling system or, alternatively, can be utilized as a hydraulic cylinder for damping the free swinging motion of the workmans basket. In addition, means (not shown) can be provided for locking the basket in a predetermined position after it has been moved to the desired location for the work to be performed.

A door or gate 106 is mounted upon the basket structure 46 and is adapted to close the opening 49 in the basket structure. The door or gate 106 consists of a rectangular framework 107 formed of a suitable material such as steel which is slightly larger than the opening 49. The door 106 is hung on the basket structure 46 for swinging movement about a vertical axis by a pair of hinge assemblies 108 mounted adjacent the upper and lower ends of the framework 107 and the upper and lower ends of the basket structure 46.

A latch assembly 109 is provided for retaining the door in a closed position and consists of a bracket 111 secured to the framework 107 which carries a pin 112. The pin 112 is adapted to be engaged by spring-loaded latch arm 113 mounted within a guide 114 secured to thebasket structure 46. As the door swings shut, the latch 113 will automatically be cammed outwardly against theforce of the spring (not shown) to permit the pin to come into engagement with a hole (not shown) in the latch member 113. The .door 106 can be released by merely moving the outer end of the latch member 113 outwardly to release the pin 112JA backup is provided for the latch assembly 109 and consists of a snap I 16 secured to a brace 117 of the framework 107 and connected by a strap 118 secured to a bracket 119 mounted on the basket structure 46. Means is provided to prevent the door from opening beyond a predetermined amount and consists of a flexible strap 121 (see FIG. 10) having one end secured to a bracket 122 secured to the door framework 107 and another bracket 123 secured to the upper end of the basket structure 46.

A door panel 126 also formed of a suitable material such as plastic impregnated fiberglass which has been molded to provide a large inwardly facing recess 127 extending vertically of the door. As can be seen particularly from FIG. 6, the door panel 126 is molded so that the outer extremities of the same will fit within the framework 107 of the door. Means is provided for removably mounting the door panel 126 within the framework 107 and consists of latch pin assemblies 128 of the type shown particularly in FIG. 7. As shown therein, the door panel 126 is provided with inserts 131 having a hole 132 therein adapted to receive a pin 133. The pin 133 is slidably mounted in the framework 107. Means is provided for yieldably urging the pin 133 in a direction towards the door panel and consists of a spring 134 having. one end engaging an inner surface of the rectangular framework 107 and having the other end engage a flange 136 provided on the pin 133. Means is provided for withdrawing the pin 133 against the force of the spring 134 and consists of a handle 137 which is secured to the pin 133by a retaining ring 138. As can be seen particularly from FIG. 5, two of such latch pin assemblies 128 have been provided on the top side of the rectangular framework 107. On the bottom side, the rectangular framework 107 has been provided with a pair of fixed pins 141 which are adapted to enter into the inserts 131 carried by the door panel. In this way, it can be seen that the door panel can first be lowered onto the pins 141 and then the pins 133 raised by the handles 137 to permit the upper end of the door panel to be moved into position and then to release the pins to permit the springs 134 to urge the pins into the holes 132 in the inserts 131 of the door panel.

A cushioned seat 143 is provided within the basket structure 46. The seat 143 is secured to an arm 144 formed of suitable material such as sheet metal. The arm 144 is secured to a bracket 146 mounted upon the vertical side wall 48 of the basket structure 46 by suitable means such as bolts 147. The bracket 146 is provided with a pair of spaced portions 146a which extend outwardly from the side wall 48. Each of the portions 146a is provided with a downwardly depending slot 148 which joins a horizontally extending slot 149 and both of which are in communication with the entrance slot 151. Pins 152 are provided on the arm 144 and are adapted to seat in the slots as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. A spring-loaded latch 154 is mounted upon the bracket 146 and consists of a right-angle shaped member 156 pivotally mounted upon a rod 157 mounted upon the bracket 146. Means is provided for urging the lower extremity of the latch outwardly to close the slot 151 and consists of a spring 158 mounted upon the rod 157 and having one end engaging the bracket 146 and having the other end engaging the lower extremity of the member 156.

If it is assumed that the seat 143 with its arm 142 have been removed from the bracket 146, the seat can be readily placed in the basket by positioning the seat so that the pins 152 enter the entrance slot 151 and cam the lower extremity of the member 156 inwardly against the force of the spring 158. The pins then can either be positioned in the vertical slot 148 with the lower extremity of the am 144 engaging the bracket 146 to support the seat 143 in a vertical position or, alternatively, by placing the pins 152 in the slots 149 to permit the seat to drop to a vertical position. The latch prevents the arm 144 for the seat 143 from automatically coming out of the bracket 146. In order to remove the pins 152 from the slots in the bracket 146, it is necessary to depress the member 156 against the force of the spring 158. Thus, depending upon the desires of the workman, the seat 143 can be placed in a raised position 143 as shown in FIG. 8 or in a lower position as shown in FlG. 9, or removed entirely from the bracket 146.

The protective covering 42 provided for the workmans basket 41 consists of a canopy assembly 161, a side curtain assembly 162 and a front curtain assembly 163. The canopy assembly 161 consists of a canopy support assembly 166 and a canopy 167. The canopy support assembly consists of a head 168 formed of a suitable insulating material such as Delrin. The head 168 is generally circular in cross-section as can be seen in FIG. 17 and is provided with a plurality of slots 169 extending radially of the head 168 and opening through the outer periphery of the head. These slots 169 are adapted to receive the ends of bows formed of a suitable insulating material such as fiberglass. The bows 171 are generally cylindrical as shown and are provided with reinforcing sleeves 172 formed of a suitable material such as steel. Means is provided for retaining the ends of the bows 171 within the slots 169 and consists of a wire 173 which extends through holes 174 provided in the sleeves 172 and the bows 171. The head 168 is provided with an annular recess 176, the outer periphery of the same which is adapted to receive the wire 173 and an additional slot 177 is provided for tying the ends of the wire 173 together to securely retain the endsof the bows 171 within the slots 169 while still permitting movement of the outer ends of the bows in a generally vertical direction.

Means is connected to the head 168 for supporting the head 168 in such a position that it generally overlies the centerline of the basket 41 and to support the canopy assembly 161, the side curtain assembly 162 and the front curtain assembly 163. Such support means consists of a support arm assembly 181, a portion of which is cantilevered over the open upper end of the basket 41. The support arm assembly 181 consists of a tube 182 formed of a suitable material such as fiberglass which has an insert 183 mounted in the lower end thereof. The insert 183 is mounted in tube 182 by suitable means such as an epoxy. The tube 182 and insert 183 is adapted to be removably mounted in a sleeve 184 carried by the bracket 97. A pin 186 is carried by a plate 187. The plate 187 is slidably mounted on a capscrew 188 threaded into the bracket 98. Spring means is provided on the capscrew 188 for yieldably urging the plate 187 and the pin carried thereby inwardly so that the pin 186 is adapted to engage an annular recess 190 provided in the insert 183. Thus, it can be seen that the tube 182 is removably retained within the sleeve 184.

The support arm assembly 181 also consists of a 70 elbow 189 in the form of a casting formed of a suitable material such as Tenzalloy. The elbow 189 is secured to the tube 182 by suitable means such as an epoxy. The support arm assembly 181 also consists of another tube 191 formed of a suitable material such as fiberglass which is secured to the other end of the elbow 189 by an epoxy. A ll elbow 192 is mounted on the other end of the tube 191 by an epoxy. The elbow 192 is provided with an extension 193 which extends through a hole 194 provided in the head 168 and which has the head 168 affixed thereto by a retaining ring 196 which is secured to the extension 193.

The canopy support assembly 166 also includes a guide 198 also formed of a suitable insulating material such as Delrin. The guide 198 is provided with radially extending slots 199 which are adapted to receive the ends of tubular braces 201 formed of a suitable material such as aluminum. The braces 201 are provided with holes (not shown) through which a wire 202 extends and which is disposed in an annular recess 203 in the guide 198. The wire 202 is tied together in a similar manner as the wire'173 to securely retain the ends of the braces 201 in the guide 198. The guide 198 is provided with an upstanding cylindrical portion 198a which serves as a spacer and an additional cylindrical portion 198b which has a substantially smaller diameter than the portion 198a and which is adapted to extend through a hole 204 provided in the extension 193 of the elbow 192. The other ends of the braces 201 are flattened and are secured between brackets 206 secured to the bows or rods 171 in predetermined positions by bolts 207.

From the construction shown, it can be seen that the wires 202 and 173 serve as the means for permitting pivoting of the elongate members connected thereto while at the same time permitting the members to align themselves. The guide 198 is readily removable from the head 168 merely by pulling downwardly from the guide 198 until the inner ends of the braces 201 pass over center, thereafter permitting the guide 198 to drop downwardly and to permit collapse of the bows 171. In raising the bows to an outstretched position, it is merely necessary to raise the guide 198 to move the outer ends of the bows 171 outwardly under the force of the braces 201 until the inner ends of the braces 201 snap over center whereupon the guide 198 will be retained within the head 168 to support the canopy 167.

A wire loop 209 is mounted on the outer extremity of each of the fiberglass bows or rods 171 so that the loop 209 depends downwardly therefrom. The wire loop 209 can be secured to the bows or rods 171 by suitable means such as an epoxy cement.

The canopy 167 which is mounted upon the canopy support assembly consists of a plurality of triangular panels 211 which are sewn together forming seams 212 (see FIG. 14) which extend outwardly and' downwardly. Thus, it can be seen that the canopy is generally conical with a cylindrical downwardly depending portion. The bottom or downwardly depending portion of the canopy 167 is provided with a hem 213 in which there is mounted a reinforcing rope 214 formed of a suitable material such as cotton. A strip 216 of a suitable attaching material such as Velcro is mounted on the inner surface of the lower extremity of the canopy 167 substantially above the lower extremity of the canopy. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the Velcro strip 216 can be formed of either hooks or eyes. The canopy 167 is also provided with a center reinforcing member 217. Pockets 218 for receiving the ends of the bows or rods 171 are sewn into the panels 211 at the seams 212 (see FIG. 15).

A side curtain assembly 162 is adapted to be secured to the canopy assembly 161 and to the upper end of the basket structure 46 and consists of a large sheet 221 preferably formed of the same material as the canopy 167 as, for example, vinyl-covered Dacron. A hem 222 is sewn into the sheet 221 to provide a lower pocket 223 extending substantially the entire length of the sheet 221. An additional narrower sheet 224 is sewn to the sheet 221 to provide an upper pocket 226 extending substantially the entire length of the sheet 221 and parallel to the pocket 223. A pair of elastic cords 227 and 228 are disposed in the pockets 223 and 226 and have their ends secured to rigid cord connectors 229 provided at each end. A plurality of snaps 231 are secured to the sheet 221 adjacent the edge in which the hem 222 is provided. A plurality of D-rings 232 are secured to the sheet 221 adjacent the opposite ends of the sheet 221 and generally perpendicular to the seam 222.

As can be seen, the sheet 221 is provided with additional reinforcing adjacent the outer extremities ;of the same. The sheet 221 is also provided with an opening equi-distant between the ends of the same extending substantially the entire width of the sheet and which is brake pad 87 from the lower surface of the basket structure 46. The operator then at the same time with one hand grasps the flange 51 and with the other hand grasps the outer end of the boom structure and rotates himself to the desired angular position. This can be accomplished with relative ease because the weight of the basket and the weight of the workman in the basket is centered over the pivot point which is generally coinclosed by a zipper 236. The side curtain assembly 162 is also provided with a reinforced opening 237 through which the electrical cords for the workmans basket can extend and, in addition, through which the safety belt for the workman can extend. Securing means in the form of a Velcro strip 239 extends longitudinally of the sheet 221 opposite the seam 222. The Velcro strip 239 can be either hooks or eyes depending upon which is used for the strip 216.

The front curtain assembly 163 is shown in FIG. 24 and consists of two sheets 241 and 242 also formed of a material preferably identical to the canopy 167 and the side curtain 162 such as vinyl-coated Dacron. The sheets 241 and 242 are sewn together at the seam 243 and their lower extremities are provided with a hem 244 after they have been sewn together. The upper portion of the sheets 241 and 242 are gathered as shown at 246 so that the front curtain assembly increases in width in a downward direction. The side opposite the gathered portion 246 of the front curtain assembly is provided with a Velcro strip (not shown) which is secured to the gathering 246 on the side not shown in FIG. 24. The opposite sides of the front curtain assembly 163 are reinforced as shown. Snaps 248 of a conventional type are secured to the side curtain assembly on opposite sides of the same as shown particularly in FIG. 24.

Operation and use of the aerial lift may now be briefly described as follows. The aerial lift can be utilized without the protective covering 42 for the basket 41 if so desired. The aerial lift can be moved to the desired location to accomplish the desired operation as, for example, a cable splicing operation. It is merely necessary for the operator to step from the driving stacident with the vertical centerline of the basket. This center mounting of the basket greatly reduces the stresses on the basket structure in comparison to a side mounting for the basket structure. There is little or any unequal distribution of weight inthe basket and even though a workman may be relatively heavy, he can with relative ease rotate himself in the basket to the desired position. As soon as the workman has rotated himself to the desired position, the plunger 71 is released by the foot of the workman and thereafter the basket structure is locked in the desired angular position.

The basket 41 is normally elevated to a position so that the cable or other object on which work is to be performed is at the desired elevation immediately in front of and slightly above the gate or door 106. If desired, the door panel 126 can be removed by raising the handles 137 to remove the pins 133 from the holes 132. The door panel 126 can then be lifted out of the door framework 107.

The door panel 126 is provided with space for the storage of tools and the like. In addition, the recesses in the protrusions 53 also can be utilized for the storage of tools and other equipment utilized by the workman.

Even with the door panel 126 in place, there is adequate space for even a large workman in the workmans basket. The large recess in the door panel 126 provides space for the knees of the workman so that he can readily sit down in the workmans basket on the seat 143 if he so desires. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, seat 143 can be positioned so that it is supported in a horizontal position or, alternatively, if desired, it can be moved to an out-of-the-way vertical position. This makes it possible for the workman to readily shift from a standing position to a sitting position and vice versa while keeping his hands in the same working relationship.

If it is desired to provide shade for the workman in the workmans basket, the canopy 167 is mounted upon the canopy support assembly 166 in the manner hereinbefore described. The canopy support assembly 166 is placed in the sleeve 184 so that the support assembly 166 is in its uppermost position with the pin 186 in engagement with the annular recess 188. In this position, it can be seen that the canopy is spaced above the upper open end of the workmans basket and that there is adequate working space for the workman in the basket while at the same time protecting the workman from the overhead sun.

If it is desired to provide additional protection to the workman as, for example, from wind or cold, the side curtain assembly 162 can be mounted upon the canopy assembly 161. This can be readily accomplished as shown in FIG. 18. The snaps 231 are placed in the loops 209 to generally hold the side curtain assembly 162 in the desired position. Thereafter, the Velcro strips 239 and 216 can be fastened together so as to provide a relatively wind-tight seal between the canopy assembly and the side curtain assembly. After this has been accomplished, the bottom of the side curtain can be secured to the upper portion of the basket structure 46. This can be accomplished by grasping the cord connectors 229 one at a time and placing one of the connectors in the slots 54 in the flange 51 of the basket structure in such a manner that the upper cord 228 is disposed above the flange 51 and the lower cord 227 is disposed below the flange 51. As shown particularly in FIG. 23, this secures the lower extremity of the side curtain assembly to the upper portion of the basket.

When the side curtain assembly 162 has been secured in this manner, it can be seen that the workman is protected from the wind and other inclement features of the weather while at the same time providing a front opening 251 (see FIG. 2) which is generally in vertical registration with the opening provided in the door or gate. This makes it possible for the workman to readily and easily do his work while still doing the work in substantial protection from the elements.

If, in fact, the weather is such that it is desirable to also cover the front opening 251, this can be accomplished by utilizing the front curtain assembly 163 and fastening the upper snaps 248 into the loops 209 and fastening the side snaps 248 into the D-rings 272 of the side curtain. In addition, the Velcro strip provided in the upper end of the front curtain assembly is secured to the Velcro strip 216 of the canopy. The front curtain assembly 163 is relatively full so that there is adequate space to bring a cable to be spliced between the front curtain assembly and the sides of the side curtain assembly 162 which form the opening 251. The front curtain can be readily snapped around the cable assembly so that the cable assembly is still readily accessible to the workman while still protecting the workman from the elements. The front curtain assembly is sufficiently long so that it will extend a substantial distance below the cable and, therefore, provide relatively good protection against inclement weather.

As can be appreciated, a heater can be provided within the workmans basket if desired to maintain the desired temperature within the workmans basket.

In transporting the aerial lift from one location to another, it is desirable that the protective covering be collapsible to facilitate such movement. This is possible as shown in FIG. 2. The front curtain assembly 163 and the side curtain assembly 162 can be removed. As soon as this has been accomplished, the pin 186 is removed to permit the support arm assembly 181 to move downwardly as shown in the broken lines in FIG. 2 and to move the canopy assembly 1 16 so that it engages the upper end of the workmans basket and encloses the same. In this way, it can be seen that the canopy assembly protects the workmans basket from snow and rain, etc. Also, this collapsible feature of the protective covering greatly decreases the size of the workmans basket so that the aerial lift can be readily moved from one location to another as, for example, on highways at relatively high speeds.

After the aerial lift has arrived at the desired location, the canopy assembly 161 and the support arm assembly 181 can be readily raised to the full line position shown in FIG. 2 and the support arm assembly locked in this position in which the canopy assembly is spaced substantially above the upper end of the workmans basket. The side curtain assembly 162 and the front curtain assembly 163 can then be secured in the manner hereinbefore described. If it is desired to only move the aerial lift short distances without travelling at very high speeds, the aerial lift can be moved with the protective covering in a raised position rather than in a lowered position.

The protective covering is of such a size that the workman can either stand up or sit down in the workmans basket. If desired, part of the side curtain can be removed to provide elbow room to the workman. The workmans basket in itself is relatively small in cube thus making it possible to place it in relatively close proximity to the work which is to be performed. The workmans basket can be rotated through on the vertical axis. It has all-weather protection. The canopy is detachable and can be utilized for providing rain and sun protection. The basket itself is constructed of fiberglass and substantial portions of the support as sembly for the protective covering are also formed of an insulating material so that in the event the protective covering comes into engagement with power wires, there will be no danger to'the workman in the basket or other workman in and about the aerial lift.

The basket can be readily stowed for travel of the aerial lift while in no way impeding the drivers visibility. Field or road side splicing can be accomplished with equal ease.

Another gate or door construction which can be utilized with the workmans basket 41 is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. It utilizes a framework 107 which is identical to the framework hereinbefore described. A door or gate insert assembly 261 is mounted within the framework 107. It consists of a pair of vertical spaced rods 262 which are adapted to be engaged by the pins 137. A fabric sheet 263 of a material similar to that hereinbefore described is provided with a pair of spaced parallel hems through which the rods 262 extend. Additional spaced parallel hems 266 are provided which are perpendicular to the hems 264. Elastic cords 268 extend through the hems 266 and have one end fastened to one of the rods 262 and have the other end connected to a spring hook 269 adapted to be inserted in an eye 271 provided on the upper and lower ends of the other rods 262. As can be seen from FIG. 26, the sheet 263 is relatively full and extends outwardly from the frame 107 so that there is provided adequate knee room for the workman in the basket even when he is sitting down. This alternative door construction which is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 can be utilized in place of the door construction shown in the first embodiment without any difficulty if the workman so desires.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided an aerial lift which has a workmans basket having a protective covering which is very versatile so that it can be utilized for protection from the sun, rain and from other inclement weather. The front curtain assembly is kept out of the basket so that the basket will remain dry. It can be seen that, in fact, armchair comfort is provided for the workman in the form of an arm rest which is provided by the flange 51 with a cushioned seat. The small size of the workmans basket lends itself to doing many kinds of work in crowded locations. This is particularly desirable in telephone work and, in particular, where power lines are mounted on the same poles.

IIII a,

r 1.3 lclaim: 1. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure,

means mounting the boom structure on the platform,

means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a

rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said support means being movable between raised and lowered positions whereby said canopy assembly in a raised position is spaced said substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket and in a lowered position is in contact with the upper open end of the basket to enclose the same.

2. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to' the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said means removably secured to the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket for enclosing at least one side of the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket including a removable side curtain assembly secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket providing a front opening extendingabove the basket and a front curtain assembly removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the side curtain assembly for closing said front opening.

3. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for movassembly and the upper end of the basket for enclosing at least one side of the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket including a removable side curtain assembly secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket providing a front opening extending above the basket, said basket being provided with a door to permit the entrance of the workman, said door being in general vertical alignment with the front openingprovided by the side curtain.

4. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a

rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to the I support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said means removably secured to the canopy ing the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said canopy assembly including a collapsible support assembly and a removable canopy mounted on the canopy support assembly, said arm of said support means being removable between raised and lowered positions, said canopy assembly in a raised position being spaced a substantial distance above the upper portion of the basket and in a lowered position being in relatively close proximity to the upper open end of the basket to enclose the same and to protect the basket from inclement weather, said canopy support assembly including a head member, a plurality of bows secured to said head member, braces secured to said bows, and a guide member secured to said braces and engageable with the head, said guide member being moveable to an over-center position so that the braces will maintain the bows in extended positions.

5. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, said canopy assembly including a canopy support assembly suspended from said arm and an imperforate substantially opaque covering forming a canopy overlying the upper open end of the basket, said canopy being carried by said canopy support assembly and having a size greater than the upper open end of the basket, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of th basket.

6. An aerial lift as in claim 1 wherein said means removably secured to the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket for enclosing at least one side of the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket includes a removable side curtain assembly secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket providing a front opening extending above the basket.

7. An aerial lift as in claim 1 wherein said canopy support assembly is collapsible.

8. An aerial lift as in claim 6 wherein said support arm assembly is movable between raised and lowered positions and wherein said canopy assembly in a raised position is spaced a substantial distance above the upper portion of the basket and in a lowered position is in relatively close proximity to the upper open' end of the basket to enclose the same and to protect the basket from inclement weather.

9. In an aerial lift, a movable platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure upon the platform, means for causing rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, means mounting the basket adjacent the outer end of the boom structure, said basket being formed with a bottom wall and upwardly extending side wall, said side wall being formed with an opening which extends through the upper end of the basket, gate means mounted on said basket movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in said basket, and means for latching said gate means in a closed position, said side wall being provided with at least one protrusion extending vertically substantially the entire height of the basket to form a recess therein for the storage of accessories for use by the workman in the basket, said recess being accessible through an opening formed in the side walls lying in a plane extending vertically of the basket and substantially the entire height of the basket.

10. An aerial lift as in claim 9 wherein at least two of said protrusions are provided in the side wall of said basket and said protrusions are provided on opposite sides of the opening in said basket.

11. In an aerial lift, a movable platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure upon the platform, means for causing rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from theplatform, a basket having an upper open end, means mounting the basket adjacent the outer end of the boom structure, said basket being formed with a bottom wall and upwardly extending side wall, said side wall being formed with an opening which extends through the upper end of the basket, gate means mounted on said basket movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in said basket, and means for latching said gate means in a closed position, said side wall being provided with at least one protrusion to form a recess therein for the storage of accessories for use by the workman in the basket, said opening in said basket being substantially rectangular, said gate means has a substantially rectangul ir framework ha 'ngarec ngular openin therein, S81 gate means so lnclu mg removabe means mounted in said rectangular framework for enclosing the opening in said rectangular framework.

12. An aerial lift as in claim 11 wherein said means enclosing the opening in the rectangular framework includes a panel formed of rigid material which is provided with a side wall extending outwardly from the framework so that there is provided a recess within the panel.

13. An aerial lift as in claim 11 wherein said means enclosing the opening in the rectangular framework includes a pair of spaced parallel members and a sheet of material mounted on said spaced parallel members.

14. An aerial lift as in claim 11 together with a canopy assembly, support means secured to the basket and to the canopy assembly for supporting the canopy assembly so that it overlies the open upper end of the basket.

15. An aerial lift as in claim 14 together with means secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket. 

1. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said support means being movable between raised and lowered positions whereby said canopy assembly in a raised position is spaced said substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket and in a lowered position is in contact with the upper open end of the basket to enclose the same.
 2. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said means removably secured to the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket for enclosing at least one side of the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket including a removable side curtain assembly secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket providing a front opening extending above the basket and a front curtain assembly removably secured to the canopy assemblY and to the side curtain assembly for closing said front opening.
 3. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said means removably secured to the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket for enclosing at least one side of the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket including a removable side curtain assembly secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket providing a front opening extending above the basket, said basket being provided with a door to permit the entrance of the workman, said door being in general vertical alignment with the front opening provided by the side curtain.
 4. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of the basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket, said canopy assembly including a collapsible support assembly and a removable canopy mounted on the canopy support assembly, said arm of said support means being removable between raised and lowered positions, said canopy assembly in a raised position being spaced a substantial distance above the upper portion of the basket and in a lowered position being in relatively close proximity to the upper open end of the basket to enclose the same and to protect the basket from inclement weather, said canopy support assembly including a head member, a plurality of bows secured to said head member, braces secured to said bows, and a guide member secured to said braces and engageable with the head, said guide member being moveable to an over-center position so that the braces will maintain the bows in extended positions.
 5. In an aerial lift, a platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure on the platform, means for causing the rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, support means secured to the basket including an arm cantilevered over the upper open end of the basket, a canopy assembly, said canopy assembly including a canopy support assembly suspended from said arm and an imperforate substantially opaque covering forming a canopy overlying the upper open end of the basket, said canopy being carried by said canopy support assembly and having a size greater than the upper open end of the basket, means securing the canopy assembly to the support means so that the canopy assembly overlies and is spaced a substantial distance above the upper open end of The basket, and means removably secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing on at least one side the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket.
 6. An aerial lift as in claim 1 wherein said means removably secured to the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket for enclosing at least one side of the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket includes a removable side curtain assembly secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket providing a front opening extending above the basket.
 7. An aerial lift as in claim 1 wherein said canopy support assembly is collapsible.
 8. An aerial lift as in claim 6 wherein said support arm assembly is movable between raised and lowered positions and wherein said canopy assembly in a raised position is spaced a substantial distance above the upper portion of the basket and in a lowered position is in relatively close proximity to the upper open end of the basket to enclose the same and to protect the basket from inclement weather.
 9. In an aerial lift, a movable platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure upon the platform, means for causing rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a rigid basket having an upper open end, means mounting the basket adjacent the outer end of the boom structure, said basket being formed with a bottom wall and upwardly extending side wall, said side wall being formed with an opening which extends through the upper end of the basket, gate means mounted on said basket movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in said basket, and means for latching said gate means in a closed position, said side wall being provided with at least one protrusion extending vertically substantially the entire height of the basket to form a recess therein for the storage of accessories for use by the workman in the basket, said recess being accessible through an opening formed in the side walls lying in a plane extending vertically of the basket and substantially the entire height of the basket.
 10. An aerial lift as in claim 9 wherein at least two of said protrusions are provided in the side wall of said basket and said protrusions are provided on opposite sides of the opening in said basket.
 11. In an aerial lift, a movable platform, a boom structure, means mounting the boom structure upon the platform, means for causing rotation of the outer end of the boom structure about a vertical axis for raising and lowering the same about a horizontal axis and for moving the same toward and away from the platform, a basket having an upper open end, means mounting the basket adjacent the outer end of the boom structure, said basket being formed with a bottom wall and upwardly extending side wall, said side wall being formed with an opening which extends through the upper end of the basket, gate means mounted on said basket movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in said basket, and means for latching said gate means in a closed position, said side wall being provided with at least one protrusion to form a recess therein for the storage of accessories for use by the workman in the basket, said opening in said basket being substantially rectangular, said gate means has a substantially rectangular framework having a rectangular opening therein, said gate means also including removable means mounted in said rectangular framework for enclosing the opening in said rectangular framework.
 12. An aerial lift as in claim 11 wherein said means enclosing the opening in the rectangular framework includes a panel formed of rigid material which is provided with a side wall extending outwardly from the framework so that there is provided a recess within the panel.
 13. An aerial lift as in claim 11 wherein said means enclosing the opening in the rectangular framework includes a pair of spaced parallel members and a sheet of material mounted on said spaced parallel members.
 14. An aerial lift as in claim 11 together with a canopy assembly, support means secured to the basket and to the canopy assembly for supporting the canopy assembly so that it overlies the open upper end of the basket.
 15. An aerial lift as in claim 14 together with means secured to the canopy assembly and to the upper end of the basket for enclosing the space between the canopy assembly and the upper end of the basket. 